England goalkeeper Gordon Banks has died, aged 81

12 February 2019, 10:08

Gordon Banks
Picture: Getty

World Cup winner Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81.

England's 1966 goalkeeper Gordon Banks was regarded as one of football's greatest ever, and was named Fifa goalkeeper of the year six times. He also earned 73 caps for England.

He is best known for his incredible save against Pele during the 1970 World Cup versus Brazil.

Born in Sheffield, he also won the League Cup with Stoke and Leicester, before retiring in 1973.

Gordon Banks - The Greatest Ever Save

He played in every game of the 1966 World Cup, including the 4-2 victory over West Germany in the final at Wembley.

In 1972, he lost the sight in his right eye after a car crash.

"It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight," his family said.

"We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him."